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Feds Investigating Radioactive Particles Near INL Facility

Federal officials are trying to determine the source of radioactive particles found among construction debris at the Idaho National Laboratory. The particles were discovered last week when a contractor came across traces of cesium and cobalt near INL's advanced test reactor complex.

A U.S. Department of Energy spokesman said the radioactive particles may have come from a past decontamination and/or demolition project.

"We're surveying people as they come in and out of the facility," said the DOE's Brad Bugger. "We're surveying vehicles as they come out of the facility, and we're trying to limit access to that area to make sure that nothing is getting off-site."

Bugger insisted that there was "no concern for people who are off-site," saying there was little health threat "unless you would get it onto your skin."